Occupational health

[TeachKat]

Hi, my lovelies! Does anyone know if I can contact OH myself or do I have to go through my employers? I have already had a report.

My OH report from April stipulated that I should be referred back to them if cases locally rose above 50 per 100,000. The cases are now at 100 per 100,000 but (surprise, surprise!) my school doesn’t want to refer me. I don’t want to be signed off, but I just need some advice about sensible precautions- for example, should I insist on wearing a face covering while teaching? (This is strongly disapproved of in the primary school) so I would need the support of OH .

Xx

[Bevvy]

Why don’t you contact them and ask if can self refer. Anytime I have dealt with OH I have been referred by management but you may be able to self refer. If not and management refuse to make referral then am afraid you yet again (crappy workplace) will have to ask union to intercede.Your workplace really is unbelievable. Do they not appreciate that if don’t follow recommendations given by OH then should anything happen to you they will be held liable and repercussions could be very serious for them. 😡

[TeachKat in reply to Bevvy]

Thanks, Bevvy - I’ll give it a try. You’re not wrong about my school- I love the actual teaching but am thoroughly disillusioned by the behaviour of management. When I can finally retire, my exit interview will be incendiary!

[Bevvy in reply to TeachKat]

As I have suggested previously I would seriously think about talking to union and OH about possibilities of ill health retirement. See if your gp would support it. They would need to write a report anyway. I just feel work place is toxic and be better off out of there! Since I retired am doing so much more and enjoying life more. Like you I loved my job but it was slowly “killing” me and something had to give. Process was hard and caused lots of stress but once decision made was very much for the best. Obviously getting full rate for retirement is important because financially I am ok so that helps. If you want to PM me that’s fine if I can give you any advice I will do.

[TeachKat in reply to Bevvy]

Bless you- that’s so kind of you! I may well take you up on that. I’m also finally being seen by the hospital respiratory clinic so will raise that with them too at my next appointment.

[Itswonderful in reply to Bevvy]

I can wholeheartedly agree with that Bevvy! I also felt that my job (registered nurse) was killing me. I limped up to the point that I could take retirement. Phew! Toxic workplaces are everywhere sadly. Even in the caring professions.

[Maggie_Mae]

Hi TeachKatHope you don’t mind me giving you few pointers which may help..

Obviously I don’t know if private or council run you work for , (obviously don’t put online) ,but either way EACH will have there own protocols in place. If council .. different councils will have different protocols but in the case of Covid most will be very much the same & apart from Goverment guidelines, there will also be Union agreements in place!!

.You have your April report in writing?..if not get in touch right away for copy!

.Your management doesn’t want to refer you?

This is illegal right away regards Health & Safety Executive! & Disability Act (especially as it will already be reported on your employment record that OH requested this to be acted upon)

Was the request you made verbally?.. if so you must put in writing ( email right away) to your management requesting referral ASAP!

Writing provides you a paper trail.. later down the line if any problems you haven’t a leg to stand on if done verbally!

You say you don’t want to be signed off... that is commendable ...

Don’t say that to OH .. take their advise & if they advise being signed off , please really considerate it!! ..If you become ill , it will come back that you didn’t take recommendations!

If you are worried about time off , I’m sure that will be covered in Union & Employer Covid agreement that no disciplinary procedures etc.

[Poobah in reply to Maggie_Mae]

Excellent advice Maggie Mae. x

[watergazer]

Some good advice above TeachKat. Always put everything in writing so you have proof and ask for answers in writing. I would go down the route of early retirement through illness if you can. Like you I enjoyed my teaching and my primary school was a good one (most of the time) to work in however it was slowly killing me and that was without any Covid 19 around! My health improved after retirement. Teaching is so tiring and stressful plus you have to deal with all the bugs the kiddies bring in. Take care. Wish you well. Anita x

[Itswonderful]

There’s nothing to stop you contacting OH yourself is there? They will be able to tell you if a self referral is sufficient or whether they also need a referral from your manager. Would your GP sign you off given you have the OH report and advice already? There may be some work you can do from home or outside with the children ? Just some thoughts. I hope you get what you need to keep safe. X

[TeachKat]

Thank you everyone for the excellent advice and support! I have emailed OH (they’re not taking phone calls at the moment) and spoken to my gp, who said I should wear a surgical face mask while indoors at school and also said that he would support me if school are difficult about this. Weather permitting, I’m going to teach my French lessons outside 🤞. And stay well out of our tiny staff room!I’m not keen to go down the medical retirement route yet - although I do realise that it may end up with that!☹️